The devastation in Gaza and Crimea is heartbreaking, and verification is critical. From damaged war graves to burning fuel depots after reported drone attacks, we're using every tool available – from satellite imagery to social media analysis – to bring you the truth. But here's where it gets controversial: How do we balance reporting on conflict zones with respecting the privacy and dignity of those affected? Let's dive in.
1. Your Questions Answered: Commonwealth War Graves in Gaza (Published at 11:23 BST)
Thomas Copeland, BBC Verify Live Journalist
We received a touching inquiry from Jim in Exeter, who asked us to investigate potential damage to his grandfather's grave in Gaza using satellite imagery. His grandfather, Walter Chisholm Gracie, served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers and tragically died during the Second Battle of Gaza on April 19, 1917.
He rests in the Gaza War Cemetery, one of two sites in Gaza meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The other is Deir El Belah War Cemetery. Together, these sites hold the remains of 3,420 soldiers, primarily from World War One. These soldiers were a part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (a British Empire military formation) that fought against Ottoman troops in three crucial battles in Gaza in 1917.
To assist Jim, I've carefully examined the latest satellite imagery of these sites and compared them to images from 2023. According to the commission on September 22nd, approximately 10% of the headstones have sustained damage. Their website provides detailed information about the specific areas within the cemeteries that have been affected. (external: https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/caring-for-our-sites/our-sites-in-challenging-locations/)
And this is the part most people miss: The Gaza War Cemetery has been lovingly cared for by the Jaradah family for an incredible 100 years, as highlighted in a BBC report from early 2023. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64344483) Head gardener Ibrahim Jaradah, along with his team and their families, were evacuated to Egypt just over a year later, underscoring the immense challenges faced by those living in conflict zones.
Ibrahim Jaradah sent me a message filled with hope: "I promise that once I’m able to enter Gaza again, we’ll work to document everything properly.” His dedication and commitment are truly inspiring.
2. Social Media Videos Show Gazans Returning to Devastated Cities (Published at 10:53 BST)
Benedict Garman and Richard Irvine-Brown, BBC Verify
Because international journalists lack independent access to Gaza currently, we are closely monitoring reports and photographers inside Gaza, who are documenting the scenes as people return to their devastated cities following the ceasefire.
Videos shared this weekend reveal extensive destruction in Khan Younis. For example, we've matched a video showing Gamal Abdel Nasser Street in the city center to satellite images, confirming its location and the damage.
In Gaza City, videos show residents walking through entire neighborhoods in Jabalia and near the Sheikh Radwan pond that have been completely destroyed. These videos, all filmed on Saturday, align with satellite pictures taken on the same day. This provides a crucial layer of verification.
On Sunday, a video from al-Zahara revealed that at least half of the buildings across a huge area of the neighborhood in central Gaza have been destroyed. The sheer scale of the destruction is difficult to comprehend.
3. Another Enormous Fire at Fuel Depot in Occupied Crimea (Published at 10:33 BST)
Sherie Ryder and Fridon Kiria, BBC Verify and BBC Monitoring
We've been investigating reports of an overnight drone strike that ignited a massive fire at a fuel depot in occupied Crimea. The depot is located in Feodosia.
A newly verified photo shows a huge plume of smoke rising from the depot. The image, taken this morning from a residential building near a football field (identifiable in Google Earth satellite images), confirms the location of the fire. It's important to note that verifying these images is essential to avoid the spread of misinformation.
This isn't the first reported attack on this storage facility by Ukraine. A fire burned at the depot just last week after a similar attack, and we previously verified that it was struck just over a year ago. This pattern raises questions about the effectiveness of defensive measures in place.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-installed regional head since Russia’s illegal annexation in 2014, acknowledged the attack last night, stating that a Ukrainian drone had attacked the facility, resulting in a fire. He also claimed that local air defenses shot down more than 20 drones.
An image posted on Telegram shows fires lighting up the sky and a huge amount of smoke. While we haven't been able to verify this specific picture (due to it being taken at night), its recent appearance online is noteworthy.
Using NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), a satellite heat tracking system, we can confirm that the areas radiating significant heat over the past 24 hours match the location of the fuel depot. This provides further corroboration of the attack.
4. Monday on BBC Verify (Published at 10:15 BST)
Rob Corp, BBC Verify Live Editor
Good morning from BBC Verify Live.
This week begins with verified footage of a major fire at an oil storage facility in Russian-occupied Crimea. According to the Moscow-installed regional head, the fire was caused by a drone attack. This marks the second reported attack on the Feodosia site within a week.
A significant portion of the team's focus today is on Gaza and Israel, where all the living hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas have been released as part of the US-brokered ceasefire deal. But here's where it gets controversial... What happens when the ceasefire ends?
In return, Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 people from Gaza detained during the war. We are currently working to gather more information about the identities of those released. This is a complex and sensitive issue, with strong opinions on all sides.
We've also received new satellite imagery illustrating the extensive damage inflicted on Gaza by two years of war. We will be sharing more details on this shortly. The visual evidence is often the most compelling and impactful.
Finally, we will be providing an update on our investigation into a Facebook account that disseminated AI-generated misinformation following the disappearance of a four-year-old boy in Australia. This case highlights the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation and the importance of critical thinking.
What are your thoughts on the role of satellite imagery in verifying information in conflict zones? Do you believe that the release of prisoners is a fair exchange for the release of hostages? Share your opinions in the comments below!
